{"id":3995,"date":"2010-08-01T01:10:58","date_gmt":"2010-08-01T06:10:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/content\/?p=4057"},"modified":"2010-07-28T15:19:45","modified_gmt":"2010-07-28T20:19:45","slug":"across-the-great-divide-9","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2010\/08\/01\/across-the-great-divide-9\/","title":{"rendered":"Across the Great Divide"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"divide1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Investigation Procedures (Part 1 of 5)<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

By R. Wolf Baldassarro<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been following my column for some time, by now you should have a pretty good grasp of the history of paranormal research and with the tools, tech, and spiritual workings associated with the field.\u00a0 So now it\u2019s time to go out and put all that into practice.\u00a0 In this series we\u2019ll discuss the steps for a successful and professional investigation.\u00a0 There are five major components to an investigation- group design and organization, research procedures, the investigation, the analysis, and follow-up.<\/p>\n

First of all don\u2019t be overeager.\u00a0 It\u2019s okay to have fun and enjoy the experience but keep your thoughts and emotions in check, and the foolishness to a minimum.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want a teammate\u2019s recorder to pick you up laughing or goofing off in another room and mistake it for something paranormal.\u00a0 Not only is it disrespectful to the home or business owner, the spirits which may be haunting the location, your teammates, and the field of parapsychology in general but you are in someone\u2019s home for a serious and scientific study not in a carnival funhouse for a good time.<\/p>\n

Resolve your fears and preconceived notions of the paranormal and look at each investigation with a clean slate.\u00a0 Every case will be unique because individuality is just as much a part of the other side as it is here in the physical world.\u00a0 Don\u2019t expect anything or compare every little event to previous investigations.\u00a0 Let things occur and flow naturally because in a calm and natural atmosphere you\u2019ll have the best chances for capturing quantifiable evidence.<\/p>\n

Just as we would be cautious of the spirits\u2019 intentions, we must also be cautious of who we invite along on the hunt.\u00a0 Your teammates must be chosen with the expectation of honesty and integrity.\u00a0 Choose wisely when interviewing members for your organization, as unfortunately there are many dishonest people that may cause more upset in a client\u2019s home than the unwanted spirit.\u00a0 Furthermore you don\u2019t want your group\u2019s reputation to hinge on the actions of a fool.\u00a0 The Deep Forest Paranormal Society has a specific application that hopeful candidates must fill out if they want to join our team.\u00a0 This can go a long way toward weeding out potential problems.\u00a0 Every member of DFPS must have one of these and a signed agreement clause on file before they are allowed to participate in any official group activities.\u00a0 You can download an example of the MS Word document at this link: DFPS Member Application<\/a><\/p>\n

Beyond the paperwork and red tape, members should be extensively trained in safety, technology and protocol requirements.\u00a0 Establish basic parameters and guidelines for central ghost hunting procedures.\u00a0 Also of great importance is the establishment of a leadership structure or chain of command.\u00a0 Create departments like technology, case management, transportation, research, analysis teams, spirituality, and so forth.\u00a0 The knowledge individuals bring to the group may benefit specific departments or talents.\u00a0 Someone with extensive training and knowledge in photography is best suited on the analysis team where they could help debunk anomalous photos, not doing background research.\u00a0 In addition you don\u2019t need the team to be on investigation and have everyone acting like they\u2019re the boss.\u00a0 With everyone playing top dog no one will follow and there will be no cooperation, no format, and no professionalism.<\/p>\n

I’ve said many times that the main issue I have with many so-called \u201cghost hunting groups\u201d is they\u2019re run like an after-school hobby group with no organization, code of conduct, or guidelines.\u00a0 To make sure everyone is on the same page- literally- it\u2019s wise to have some kind of written document explaining command structure, job descriptions and responsibilities, and procedural notes.\u00a0 Everyone in my group is given a 30-page manual that was drafted by my lead investigator that explains all that including attendance requirements and disciplinary steps.\u00a0 Again this is a serious scientific field and a job.\u00a0 Granted it\u2019s all done on a volunteer basis but to not look at it as you would a paying job and to have no real control over the way you operate in someone\u2019s home spits in the face of science and it\u2019s no wonder the general scientific community doesn\u2019t take us seriously.<\/p>\n

Many groups say to start with cemeteries.\u00a0 There are pros and cons to this, but mostly cons.\u00a0 These groups do nothing more than go to cemeteries and abandoned buildings and think they\u2019re ghost hunters just because they sneak into them in the dark of night on a regular basis and snap a few pictures and audio recordings.\u00a0 The first obvious con is that most cemeteries are closed at dusk, making you an illegal trespasser if you\u2019re stomping around after dark.\u00a0 You are free to roam around cemeteries during normal operating times and do as you wish but you must still be respectful of those who lie in them as well as the rules of those who run the grounds.\u00a0 It is NEVER okay to go into an abandoned building, whether day or night, without the landowner\u2019s permission. \u00a0End of story.<\/p>\n

In many cases contacting the city or church that owns the cemetery or building and presenting your honest and objective intentions goes a long way toward garnering permission.\u00a0 You should also have a client contract that explains what each party\u2019s legal and financial responsibilities are.\u00a0 Often having a clause that releases the building\u2019s owner of responsibility due to injury puts their mind at ease.\u00a0 For an example of such a contract here is a download link to the very client contract that DFPS uses: DFPS Client Contract<\/a><\/p>\n

Secondly, cemeteries by design are in urban areas close to well-traveled roads and residential homes.\u00a0 This can seriously pollute any evidence due to a large amount of X<\/em> factors.\u00a0 Even abandoned cemeteries in secluded and neglected locations have environmental and noise pollution levels that are known and unknown at the time of investigation that could skew your results.<\/p>\n

It may be a good idea to look at cemeteries as training grounds.\u00a0 Go there during the day with new members to get them acquainted with your group\u2019s procedures and techniques.\u00a0 As we know, ghosts don\u2019t just come out at night and you or they might actually catch something.\u00a0 While investigating a new cemetery during the day I actually captured a legitimate EVP.<\/p>\n

This is also a great time to build connections between members and see which people work best with each other.\u00a0 Often the personalities of members will compliment another in the organization making for a solid duo for official investigations.\u00a0 This is also a perfect time to familiarize everyone with all the various tools at your disposal- and try out that new full-spectrum camera you just purchased.\u00a0 (Sorry, I was day dreaming again\u2026<\/em>) Every member should have a fully trained understanding of all the tools used during an investigation so that everyone can get their hands dirty and join in the hunt.<\/p>\n

Every city and county around the world has local legends and folklore about famous residents, traumatic and dramatic events, and haunted buildings.\u00a0 Start with some of the more well-known locations and approach the owners or management in as professional a manner as possible.\u00a0 Dress and act like you would for a job interview with a high-end business firm.\u00a0 You\u2019ll want to put your best foot forward.\u00a0 Not only will this help you come across as trustworthy but will gain you respect as well.\u00a0 Positive reviews and word of mouth are the best advertisement you can get, and best of all it\u2019s free.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll want to have certain safety items such as a first aid kit, plenty of flashlights and batteries, water bottles, 2-way radios, and name badges before you start any investigations.\u00a0 Keep these items at center command and readily accessible.\u00a0 Make sure procedures are in place should anyone get injured while investigating and have local emergency numbers handy.\u00a0 Also make sure you familiarize yourself with the address and specific location (major crossroads) of your area of interest so that in the unfortunate case that emergency personnel need to be called they can get to you as fast as possible.<\/p>\n

Most items like water, first aid, and radios are common sense safety items but I’d also like to mention in detail the reasons for badges.<\/p>\n

A seasoned paranormal research group will require all members to wear identification while investigating or representing the group in public- even when just doing research.\u00a0 Not only does this present a more professional image but it helps clients, law enforcement, and others know who is and is not part of the group.\u00a0 Remember that law enforcement has the right to request identification and trespassing on private property can lead to fines, imprisonment, or worse- I’ve known of ghost hunting groups getting shot at when trespassing in areas at night!<\/p>\n

Set up your rules and procedures how you see fit for the specific needs and goals of your group\u2019s activities.\u00a0 Just keep in mind that the more structured and professional you are in your design, the more professional you will come off when investigating and word of mouth can make or break your success.<\/p>\n

Join me next month as I probe farther into investigations with a look at the wonderful world of research and documentation.\u00a0 Believe it or not good background research is critical to an accurate analysis.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Investigation Procedures (Part 1 of 5) By R. Wolf Baldassarro If you\u2019ve been following my column for some time, by now you should have a pretty good grasp of the history of paranormal research and with the tools, tech, and spiritual workings associated with the field.\u00a0 So now it\u2019s time to go out and put all that into practice.\u00a0 In this series we\u2019ll discuss the steps for a successful and professional investigation.\u00a0 There are five major components to an investigation- group design and organization, research procedures, the investigation, the analysis, and follow-up. First of all don\u2019t be overeager.\u00a0 It\u2019s okay to have fun and enjoy the experience but keep your thoughts and emotions in check, and the foolishness to a minimum.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want a teammate\u2019s recorder to pick you up laughing or goofing off in another room and mistake it for something paranormal.\u00a0 Not only is it disrespectful to the home or business owner, the spirits which may be haunting the location, your teammates, and the field of parapsychology in general but you are in someone\u2019s home for a serious and scientific study not in a carnival funhouse for a good time. Resolve your fears and preconceived notions of the paranormal and look at each investigation with a clean slate.\u00a0 Every case will be unique because individuality is just as much a part of the other side as it is here in the physical world.\u00a0 Don\u2019t expect anything or compare every little event to previous investigations.\u00a0 Let things occur and flow naturally because in a calm and natural atmosphere you\u2019ll have the best chances for capturing quantifiable evidence. Just as we would be cautious of the spirits\u2019 intentions, we must also be cautious of who we invite along on the hunt.\u00a0 Your teammates must be chosen with the expectation of honesty and integrity.\u00a0 Choose wisely when interviewing members for your organization, as unfortunately there are many dishonest people that may cause more upset in a client\u2019s home than the unwanted spirit.\u00a0 Furthermore you don\u2019t want your group\u2019s reputation to hinge on the actions of a fool.\u00a0 The Deep Forest Paranormal Society has a specific application that hopeful candidates must fill out if they want to join our team.\u00a0 This can go a long way toward weeding out potential problems.\u00a0 Every member of DFPS must have one of these and a signed agreement clause on file before they are allowed to participate in any official group activities.\u00a0 You can download an example of the MS Word document at this link: DFPS Member Application Beyond the paperwork and red tape, members should be extensively trained in safety, technology and protocol requirements.\u00a0 Establish basic parameters and guidelines for central ghost hunting procedures.\u00a0 Also of great importance is the establishment of a leadership structure or chain of command.\u00a0 Create departments like technology, case management, transportation, research, analysis teams, spirituality, and so forth.\u00a0 The knowledge individuals bring to the group may benefit specific departments or talents.\u00a0 Someone with extensive training and knowledge in photography is best suited on the analysis team where they could help debunk anomalous photos, not doing background research.\u00a0 In addition you don\u2019t need the team to be on investigation and have everyone acting like they\u2019re the boss.\u00a0 With everyone playing top dog no one will follow and there will be no cooperation, no format, and no professionalism. I’ve said many times that the main issue I have with many so-called \u201cghost hunting groups\u201d is they\u2019re run like an after-school hobby group with no organization, code of conduct, or guidelines.\u00a0 To make sure everyone is on the same page- literally- it\u2019s wise to have some kind of written document explaining command structure, job descriptions and responsibilities, and procedural notes.\u00a0 Everyone in my group is given a 30-page manual that was drafted by my lead investigator that explains all that including attendance requirements and disciplinary steps.\u00a0 Again this is a serious scientific field and a job.\u00a0 Granted it\u2019s all done on a volunteer basis but to not look at it as you would a paying job and to have no real control over the way you operate in someone\u2019s home spits in the face of science and it\u2019s no wonder the general scientific community doesn\u2019t take us seriously. Many groups say to start with cemeteries.\u00a0 There are pros and cons to this, but mostly cons.\u00a0 These groups do nothing more than go to cemeteries and abandoned buildings and think they\u2019re ghost hunters just because they sneak into them in the dark of night on a regular basis and snap a few pictures and audio recordings.\u00a0 The first obvious con is that most cemeteries are closed at dusk, making you an illegal trespasser if you\u2019re stomping around after dark.\u00a0 You are free to roam around cemeteries during normal operating times and do as you wish but you must still be respectful of those who lie in them as well as the rules of those who run the grounds.\u00a0 It is NEVER okay to go into an abandoned building, whether day or night, without the landowner\u2019s permission. \u00a0End of story. In many cases contacting the city or church that owns the cemetery or building and presenting your honest and objective intentions goes a long way toward garnering permission.\u00a0 You should also have a client contract that explains what each party\u2019s legal and financial responsibilities are.\u00a0 Often having a clause that releases the building\u2019s owner of responsibility due to injury puts their mind at ease.\u00a0 For an example of such a contract here is a download link to the very client contract that DFPS uses: DFPS Client Contract Secondly, cemeteries by design are in urban areas close to well-traveled roads and residential homes.\u00a0 This can seriously pollute any evidence due to a large amount of X factors.\u00a0 Even abandoned cemeteries in secluded and neglected locations have environmental and noise pollution levels that are known and unknown at the time of investigation that could skew your results. It may be a good idea to look at cemeteries as training grounds.\u00a0 Go there during the day with new members to get them acquainted with your group\u2019s procedures and techniques.\u00a0 As we know, ghosts don\u2019t just come out at night and you or they might actually catch something.\u00a0 While investigating a new cemetery during the day I actually captured a legitimate EVP. This is also a great time to build connections between members and see which people work best with each other.\u00a0 Often the personalities of members will compliment another in the organization making for a solid duo for official investigations.\u00a0 This is also a perfect time to familiarize everyone with all the various tools at your disposal- and try out that new full-spectrum camera you just purchased.\u00a0 (Sorry, I was day dreaming again\u2026) Every member should have a fully trained understanding of all the tools used during an investigation so that everyone can get their hands dirty and join in the hunt. Every city and county around the world has local legends and folklore about famous residents, traumatic and dramatic events, and haunted buildings.\u00a0 Start with some of the more well-known locations and approach the owners or management in as professional a manner as possible.\u00a0 Dress and act like you would for a job interview with a high-end business firm.\u00a0 You\u2019ll want to put your best foot forward.\u00a0 Not only will this help you come across as trustworthy but will gain you respect as well.\u00a0 Positive reviews and word of mouth are the best advertisement you can get, and best of all it\u2019s free. You\u2019ll want to have certain safety items such as a first aid kit, plenty of flashlights and batteries, water bottles, 2-way radios, and name badges before you start any investigations.\u00a0 Keep these items at center command and readily accessible.\u00a0 Make sure procedures are in place should anyone get injured while investigating and have local emergency numbers handy.\u00a0 Also make sure you familiarize yourself with the address and specific location (major crossroads) of your area of interest so that in the unfortunate case that emergency personnel need to be called they can get to you as fast as possible. Most items like water, first aid, and radios are common sense safety items but I’d also like to mention in detail the reasons for badges. A seasoned paranormal research group will require all members to wear identification while investigating or representing the group in public- even when just doing research.\u00a0 Not only does this present a more professional image but it helps clients, law enforcement, and others know who is and is not part of the group.\u00a0 Remember that law enforcement has the right to request identification and trespassing on private property can lead to fines, imprisonment, or worse- I’ve known of ghost hunting groups getting shot at when trespassing in areas at night! Set up your rules and procedures how you see fit for the specific needs and goals of your group\u2019s activities.\u00a0 Just keep in mind that the more structured and professional you are in your design, the more professional you will come off when investigating and word of mouth can make or break your success. Join me next month as I probe farther into investigations with a look at the wonderful world of research and documentation.\u00a0 Believe it or not good background research is critical to an accurate analysis.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":78,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3995","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3995","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/78"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3995"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3995\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3995"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3995"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3995"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}